NSW: Who can I ask about why my strata levies have increased

Question: My strata levies have increased, but there is no explanation in the AGM minutes. Who can I ask about the increase?

I read on your site that levies are normally only increased if there is a need for new works or additional expenses, and that owners should ask why there is an increase. But, who do I ask?

I asked our strata managing agent and pointed out that there was nothing in the AGM minutes regarding a reason for the increase, but they could not give me a substantial reason. I am on the strata committee, but could not attend the AGM due to work commitments. I have emailed the other committee members, but they are too scared of one bullying member to respond to my question.

Where do I go from here?

Answer: The best first step is to review the budget documents with fellow committee members.

While I could not confirm without reviewing a copy of the income and expenditure, budget and capital works forecast report documents, depending on the percentage increase, this could be due to one of the three following things:

• Correcting a deficit in the administrative budget due to unanticipated expenditure from the last financial year
• Achieving the recommended balance for the current financial year within the capital works forecast report
• Aligning the previous budget and expenditure with the anticipated inflation for the new financial period

As a first point of call, obtain and review the documentation referenced above with your fellow committee members.

This post appears in the June 2026 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.

Megan Parkins
Tender Advisory
E: megan@tenderadvisory.com.au
P: 0435 893 670